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Atlanta Sights

Georgia State Capitol

Fodor's Review

The capitol, a Renaissance-style edifice, was dedicated on July 4, 1889. The gold leaf on its dome was mined in nearby Dahlonega. Inside, the Georgia Capitol Museum houses exhibits on its history. On the grounds, state historical markers commemorate the 1864 Battle of Atlanta, which destroyed nearly the entire city. Statues memorialize a 19th-century Georgia governor and his wife (Joseph and Elizabeth Brown), a Confederate general (John B. Gordon), and a former

senator (Richard B. Russell). Former governor and president Jimmy Carter is depicted with his sleeves rolled up, a man at work. Those who wish to honor Martin Luther King Jr. should visit the governor's wall, where a portrait of the civil rights leader was unveiled in 2006. Visit the website for tour information and group reservations.

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Fodorite Reviews

Very good capitol, with on-site history museum

A very attractive gold-domed capitol building with a crowning statue, tasteful detail inside and out (including two attractive legislative chambers), and nice touches like faux columns and large wood doors. Unlike most other capital cities which have a separate history museum, here the history museum is located in the capitol building itself, in display cases on the fourth floor and in the basement (has native plants and stuffed animals, flags, ancient

artifacts and fossil teeth, historical information about the state and the building, and descriptions of state government). Very interesting to visit.